Field of Study and Lines of Research

It addresses themes/contents related to the study of Occupation as the main object of investigation, using scientific methodology and aiming for application in the analysis of people's participation in life situations with regard to trends and perspectives of social inclusion.

Its purpose is to investigate the influence of intrinsic factors (inherent to the individual himself) and extrinsic factors (related to the environment, specifically with regard to products and technology) on involvement in occupational roles. Furthermore, it emphasizes the understanding of care strategies (assessment and intervention) for prevention, promotion and recovery of functionality from transdisciplinary perspectives.

This line of research is structured around three axes:

1- Occupational profile and functional assessment

This axis aims to welcome research related to the analysis of the occupational profile of different populations. The analysis of the occupational profile includes, in an integrated way, the assessment of different domains of functionality, covering factors related to the person and their context. The aim is, in this way, to expand the understanding of the impact of a health condition and/or environmental factors on functionality, providing relevant information for planning care interventions and developing public policies. This axis also includes studies aimed at creating, translating and/or adapting tests and questionnaires to evaluate different domains of functionality.

2 - Assistive technology and participation

This is a research axis in which longitudinal and transversal projects related to the study, development and applicability of technologies/devices aimed at improving the functionality and participation of individuals in different contexts are brought together, taking into account aspects of user satisfaction with the device and the services provided. The aim is, in this way, to expand the understanding of the impact of a health condition and/or environmental factors on functionality, providing relevant information for planning care interventions and developing public policies.

3 - Care strategies

This research axis covers longitudinal and transversal projects related to the study, development and applicability of care approaches to improve the functionality and participation of individuals in different contexts, taking into account aspects of user and family/guardian satisfaction with the services provided. The aim of these projects is to broaden the understanding of the impact of different care approaches in the occupation, thus providing relevant information for planning intervention programs and developing public policies. It also seeks to develop or adapt care approaches, appropriate to the Brazilian reality.

Its objectives are:

(1) understand occupational roles from the socioeconomic and relational dimensions, analyzing how social aspects impact occupational opportunities and the construction of citizenship of different population groups (whether linked to the issue of gender, race, stigma, culture, among others);

(2) investigate risk and protection conditions, well-being and participation; as well as analyzing the implementation of Social Policies;

(3) understand social inclusion strategies and how the state, through public policies, meets the needs and demands that touch on occupational experiences (work, leisure, study, culture, domestic and daily activities).

This line of research is structured around two axes:

1- Social policies, occupational rights, inequality and social inclusion. This axis is focused on the study, analysis and development of programs focused on social policies. It seeks to advance the analysis of understanding and implementation of public policies (health, educational, social, labor, social security, etc.) with the aim of expanding opportunities for social inclusion and guaranteeing rights. Additionally, it aims to understand how social policies can minimize these problems in order to facilitate access to goods and services and forms of sociability based on the expansion of human rights.

2- Public health policies, health care models and social inclusion This axis is focused on the study of human occupations that are affected by health and illness processes, which in turn, are intrinsically related to the development of care models health and the implementation of public health policies.